The Provincial Lady - Complete Collection

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1180
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About this ebook

In "The Provincial Lady - Complete Collection," E. M. Delafield presents a charmingly witty and keenly observant portrayal of early 20th-century provincial life through the lens of an unnamed middle-class woman. Delafield employs a diary format that invites readers into the protagonist's everyday experiences, richly detailing domestic concerns, social etiquette, and the humorous absurdities of British provincial society. The narrative's colloquial tone and insightful commentary satirically critique the social mores of her time, presenting a tapestry of relatable characters and events that resonate with the reader's own experiences, making it an essential text in the tradition of British humorous literature. E. M. Delafield, born in 1890, was a pioneering novelist and a key figure in women's literature during the interwar period, often drawing from her own experiences as a mother and writer. Her background in literature and her keen sense of observation are evident in her ability to capture the subtleties of domestic life, which she regarded with both affection and irony. Delafield's lived experiences as a woman in a rapidly changing world provided a rich backdrop for the exploration of her characters' dilemmas and desires. This complete collection is a delightful recommendation for readers who appreciate sharp humor and social commentary. It offers a timeless exploration of women's roles within the family and society, making it not just a historical artifact, but an enduring reflection on the complexities of life. Delafield's nuanced characterizations and playful prose invite readers to engage with her world, ensuring that "The Provincial Lady" remains relevant and enjoyable for contemporary audiences.

About the author

E. M. Delafield, born Edmée Elizabeth Monica Dashwood, née de la Pasture on June 9, 1890, was an English author renowned for her wittily satirical portrayal of English middle-class life. Descended from a literary family, her mother, Mrs. Henry de la Pasture, was also a well-known novelist. Delafield's most acclaimed work is undoubtedly 'The Provincial Lady' series, which is a keenly observant set of diaries, chronicling the daily life of an upper-middle-class Englishwoman in the 1930s. These diaries, commencing with 'Diary of a Provincial Lady' published in 1930, offer a blend of humor and sobering commentary on the female experience of the era with an unpretentious and candid style that has endeared Delafield to readers across generations. The character's endeavours and ordeals with domesticity, social engagements, and the quest for personal identity amidst societal expectations, have led the series to be considered an important precursor to the 'chick-lit' genre. 'The Provincial Lady - Complete Collection' serves as a testament to the timelessness and relevance of her work. Delafield's contribution to English literature extends over two dozen books, and while less known, each offers a nuanced examination of women's lives, marked by her signature irony and insightful social satire. Her legacy endures within the canon of early 20th-century women's literature.

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